VCF 9.1: Automation, Kubernetes APIs, and Faster Deployments

In this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast, host Pete dives into the latest advancements in VMware Cloud Foundation 9.1, joined by Dilpreet, head of engineering for the VMware Cloud Foundation Division. The conversation centers on the transformative shift toward Kubernetes APIs, which enable a more flexible, standardized, and user-friendly infrastructure experience. Key highlights include the integration of vRealize Automation (vRA) and vCloud Director into a unified VCF Automation layer, the introduction of multi-cluster zones for improved availability modeling, and the ability for end users to create snapshots and modify VM configurations via policy-controlled access. The episode also explores the strategic move to contribute Valero, VMware’s backup solution, to the CNCF as a sandbox project, signaling a commitment to open-source collaboration. Additionally, the fast deployment and upgrade capabilities in VKS 3.6—powered by vSphere’s link clone technology—are showcased as a game-changer, enabling Kubernetes clusters to be provisioned in minutes, outpacing traditional container deployment speeds. The episode closes with excitement around bring-your-own-CNI and bring-your-own-OS support, underscoring VKS’s growing ecosystem maturity. The episode underscores a clear evolution in VMware’s platform strategy: from monolithic infrastructure to a modern, API-driven, open, and developer-centric model. The emphasis on speed, standardization, and enterprise-grade reliability through Kubernetes-native tooling positions VCF 9.1 as a pivotal release for hybrid cloud operations. Key takeaways include the power of desired state APIs, the strategic value of open-sourcing critical components, and the performance leap enabled by link cloning. The overall tone is enthusiastic and forward-looking, reflecting confidence in VMware’s ability to bridge legacy and modern workloads.